Illnesses and conditions

An epidemic that's been sustained for 44 years might finally be quelled, with the milestone approval of the first HIV drug that offers 100% protection with its twice-yearly injections. It's a landmark achievement set to save millions of lives.

A bacterium from the gut of Japanese tree frogs has "exhibited remarkably potent" tumor-killing abilities when administered intravenously, outperforming current standard therapies and paving the way for an entirely new approach to treating cancer.

Researchers have analyzed clinical trial data and ranked 12 different non-drug physical therapy treatments for knee osteoarthritis, based on their effectiveness in reducing pain and stiffness, and improving physical function.

For decades, successfully targeting the central mechanism that causes the vast majority of pancreatic cancers was considered impossible. However, that narrative is rapidly changing ...

The US has its first and only oral COVID-19 post-exposure prophylaxis on its way, after a Phase III trial of the drug ensitrelvir met its goals needed for US Drug and Food Administration approval. It dramatically reduces spread from close contacts.

A recent study by researchers from the US biotech company Tuning Fork suggests that at least some cases of post-viral depression in people recovering from COVID-19 may have measurable biological underpinnings.

Scientists have identified a new way to supercharge obesity drug semaglutide by targeting key neurons. It could dramatically boost GLP-1 weight-loss power and prevent the dreaded plateaus that not even this "wonder drug" has been able to circumvent.

Could glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) nix the inflammation that drives asthma? Maybe, according to a large national study of more than 27,000 older adults, which was presented to scientists last week.

In our research in the British Library’s medieval collections, we have identified a previously unnoticed document that provides fresh insights into the survivors of the outbreak of plague known as the Black Death.

Andes virus is serious, and authorities are right to respond cautiously. But experts, including those from the World Health Organization, note it doesn’t have the characteristics needed to become “the next COVID”.

The type 2 diabetes drug taken by an estimated 20 million Americans has long been thought of doing its heavy lifting in the liver, suppressing glucose production. But research has found it's actually unleashing its power in another part of the body.

Scientists are confident they've got the first effective Lyme disease vaccine, but the final hurdle will be FDA approval – which the drug-makers are seeking despite unexpected statistical issues. It remains to be seen if this will derail their goals.

High-protein diets are often touted as a great way to lose weight. A new finding from a team of researchers, however, found that under certain conditions, mice on a low-protein diet converted energy-storing white fat to calorie-burning beige fat.

New research shows that people with obesity host a distinct oral microbiome. The study turns our attention to the mouth as a signal of metabolic health in a shift that challenges long-held assumptions about where obesity-related biomarkers can be measured.

While AI certainly has its issues, there’s little doubt that it shines in terms of medical diagnostics. Now, a new study suggests it can even make the humble stethoscope an even more powerful tool than it already is for detecting heart disease.

A new CRISPR-based one-off therapy that lowers "bad" cholesterol is set to enter its Phase I trial. If successful, it could be the first approved genetic-editing method, replacing ongoing medication and slashing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Not getting enough vitamin D can weaken bones, teeth, and muscles by interfering with calcium absorption. Now there's another reason to avoid a serious D deficiency: it can make respiratory tract infections much worse, according to a new study.

While heartburn medication can be a lifesaver for those suffering from gastric reflux, several studies over the years have indicated that the drugs could increase stomach cancer risks more than threefold. A new meta analysis says that's likely not the case.